Following the review of the framework for restrictive measures in response to Turkey’s unauthorised drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean, the European Council adopted on November 11 a decision extending the regime for one year, until November 12, 2022.
“The European Union will remain able to impose targeted restrictive measures on persons or entities responsible for or involved in unauthorised drilling activities relating to hydrocarbons in the Eastern Mediterranean,” the EU Council said in a press release, warning that such restrictive measures consist of an asset freeze for listed persons and entities as well as a ban on travel to the EU for listed persons. In addition, EU persons and entities are forbidden from making funds available to those listed.
Currently, two individuals are subject to sanctions. The decision will enter into force on the day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
The sanctions regime against unauthorised drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean is a direct follow-up to the Council conclusions of October 14, 2019, which were endorsed by the European Council on October 17-18, 2019, when the EU reaffirmed its full solidarity with Cyprus regarding respect for its sovereignty and sovereign rights in accordance with international law and invited the High Representative and the Commission to submit proposals for a framework for restrictive measures.
The decision will be kept under constant review; it will be renewed or amended, as appropriate, if the Council deems that its objectives have not been met.
